Frohe Weihnachten

Lazy Pups and Wills Guitar Hero 3 (the real guitar is in the last post)

What a mess!!!!!!!

Josh and his ipod and Cody and his DS, think they are excited?

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas!

We actually had to WAKE the kids up at a little after 6 am. Greg couldnt stand it anymore. Funny thing how the older they get the less they get, the smaller the gifts are and the more expensive. All in all we had a great relaxing Christmas together, which was most important. The highlight gifts were a 4 Gig ipod for Josh, a guitar for Will, a gameboy DS for Cody. It is cold over here but no snow and as much as I hate snow if it is going to be cold it might just as well be pretty and snow. I took the day off from the diet and pigged out on German cookies, candy, and bread! Hope you like the pictures and that everyone had a great holiday and will have a Happy New Year!

Love

Jenny

Greg

Will

Josh

Cody
Calvin

Will's news

Hello everyone. This is just a fast entry. Will was nominated by his teachers for student of the quarter. We are so proud. The other picture is of his new guitar. He has been wanting to take lessons and he needed to have a guitar so part of his xmas present is this. He has earned it!

Munchen!

Gruss Got!! These are a few of our pictures of Munich or Munchen as they call it here. You will have to forgive me I got them out of order but I think you can all figure them out. We went to the opening of the Christmas Markets this past weekend. Taking the train down was an unpleasant experience this time because of the crowds we ended up standing in the entrance way of the train cars packed in like cattle for about an hour until finally some seats opened up.

When we arrived we checked into our first Hostel and unloaded our backpacks. A hostel over here is sorta like an American B&B the difference being they have dorm rooms where you could end up bunking with strangers if you don't pay for all the beds in a room. We payed for a six bedroom dorm room and were happy to see that all the rooms have in suite bathrooms. (Alot of them have public showers and bathrooms) You cant beat the cost seeing how they charge by the person. This one was around 9 Euro a person so we all stayed in the room for under 80 Euro. We were right in the heart of Munich walking distance from the train station, Oktoberfest grounds, and downtown Munich where the fest was going on. The room was clean and we had a great view. We were probably the oldest people there since alot of hostels are frequented by college kids traveling light and cheap and partying. We would definitely stay there again if we go back.

We set out on foot to the fest and soon the booths started appearing on all sides of the streets. The smells were wonderful and the first order of business was mulled wine that is traditionally served at all the Christmas fests. Sorta tastes like Mad Dog 20/20 hot. We bought some roasted nuts and worked our way into the crowd. The building above is in the town square. It is the famous Glockenspiel the largest Cuckoo Clock. We just missed it going off and vowed next trip to time it better. Pretty much all the booths are selling Christmas decor and traditional German treats. We wandered the streets checking out all the goods and munching on macaroons, nuts, and German chocolate treats. The one inside picture is of St. Michaels church build in 1583 it was breathtaking!!!

One of the places I really wanted to go is the Habrahouse (spelling?) It is a HUGE beer hall where you just find a place at one of the long wood tables and sit with anyone already there and have a beer. They have a polka band and traditionally dressed women and men with huge hand fulls of these giant mugs of beer that they bring to you. I tried to get a picture of them carrying like 12 of these things at a time but we couldn't get a good shot. (Next time!) We decided to eat dinner there and have a beer while the kids munched out and had some sodas. I would love to go back when we can sit longer and just absorb the atmosphere but it is not a place to stay long with the kids and theywere getting tired by then.

Across the street from where we ate the Hard Rock Cafe Munich was located. Will really wanted to go in there and check out the guitars and memorabilia. Above is a picture of his favorite guitar a les paul, signed by the members of the band Guns N Roses.

We headed back to the hostel and tiredly fell into our bunks ready to sleep before our trip home the next day.

Munich is a city that we will definitely revisit when it isn't so crowded. There are so many cool places and museums that we are keeping it on our list of places we want to see and try to stay longer next time. Maybe when my bro comes over with my mom we can go and have a beer and pretzel at the beer hall and see them together.

Enjoy the pics and thanks for checking in!

Love you All

Jenny

Dixie Dish

HILARIOUS!!!!!!!

Right up until she trips you on the stairs runs you into the wall and knocks the xmas tree over!

Five more days and this and the stitches come out!

Update

Hello All!

Things are great here but getting cold. The snow is pretty but you all know how I feel about cold that comes with it. This weekend we are taking our monthly trip choosing Munich because of the Christmas Fest Kick off. I will post pictures next week of our trip. We had a very relaxing Thanksgiving and in answer to all your doubts I did cook and no one got sick! I actually got it all done at the right time and it was good!
I am glad you are all enjoying the blog and pictures I am really enjoying doing it. Keep checking back and I will keep yall updated on what is going on in our lives. We are trying to go somewhere new about once a month. We would love to do it every weekend but with the Euro being what it is and our gas rations it isn't feasible. We just keep telling ourselves we live here now and can take our time. Next year will be the year for longer trips and different countries. We are planning to go to Sweden, Bucharest, Salzburg, Paris,Prague, and Poland. The Black Forest is on the top of the list as well as Eidel Weiss.I will not be happy until I run up a hill in Austria in a stupid hat and sing "The Hills are Alive...". These are all trips we can do by train and on the weekend and we have begun to plan out the hostels and timetables for events going on in these spots. I went to the Chech Republic on a shopping trip two weeks ago and want to go back after we get thru the holidays.
We also had a scare with Dixie this week. I took her in to be spayed and unbeknownst to us she is apparently allergic to anesthesia. We almost lost her during the beginning of the surgery so the vet stopped the procedure right away and stitched her back up. The long and short of it she isn't going to be able to be spayed or have any surgery ever. We will just have to pray someone comes up with some doggie birth control or be extra careful. And here I thought I wouldn't have to worry about pregnancy having no daughters. HA! Anyway she is fine and recovering but looks ridiculous with a big cone on her head to keep her away from her stitches, sort of like a tail wagging drooling satellite dish. I will have to take a picture of her cause I can't help but laugh when she sits in front of me staring at me.
Well yall take care and keep checking back............ BTW I have sent xmas cards but there is no guarantee that they will be there by xmas. Mail is taking about 3 weeks to reach us and in return reach you.
Love You All
Jen

I'M AN AUNT!!!

Just thought I would share the good news and the cutest pictures ever. My sis Amy and her boyfriend Martin adopted and new member to their family. This is Brutus everyone say

AWWWWWWWWWWWW

Congrats Amy and Martin Keep the pictures coming....

Pics of the boys for Halloween. We hauled in a ton of candy and froze our costumed butts off, but it was fun being all together for once on a holiday.

Sorry it took so long. BTW Cody has the dark force

Love Jenny

Quick Update

Hello!
Just a fast update. I hope you all enjoyed the pictures from Frankenstein's castle. We had so much fun there and the kids are still excited and talking about it. We will be laying low for most of November except for some day trips. Christmas is coming and we are going to begin shopping for that. We have made reservations at our first Hostel for the first weekend in December for the kick off of the Christmas Fests. We are going to spend the weekend in Munich seeing the city and shopping at the Kringle Marts. I am very excited about this trip as well. If you don't know anything about Germany apparently there are huge Christmas markets in every town. I am going to include a link if you want to check out what they are like.
Love to everyone and Enjoy each other during the holiday season.
Love Jenny
http://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/ This is the one in Nurnberg which is about 60 Kilometers from here.

Burg Frankenstein-Darmstadt Germany

Welcome to Burg Frankenstein

The Gallows Gross

Wills Nemesis Sentry at the Gate

Yesterday we went to Burg Frankenstein Castle in the heart of Germany. Located just south of Darmstadt and Frankfurt.The castle was built in the 1300's and purported to be the inspiration for Mary Shelly's Classic novel. After a beautiful ride, the trees are in full fall colors, we arrived on a drippy foggy day. I think the weather was perfect it lent a really spooky air to the day. We waited at the castle entrance for them to open and got the kids revved up. Finally they let the crowds in and right from the get go there were monsters and ghouls everywhere. Cody freaked out and started crying right away. Greg picked him up and we started up the trails to the ruins. He cried every time a monster came close and they came VERY close. They grab your hats and try to drag you away which really heightened the effect and mood. We were warned ahead of time that it is very hands on so we chose to go on Family Day which is first in daytime hours so the darkness isn't an issue and second, the monsters will back off a bit and even take off their masks and shake the kids hands. They hand out candy to the really scared kids. As you walk around the grounds you encounter over 70 monsters and ghouls and they are very into their roles. There were kids shows and a monster dance, also they choose random visitors and "torture" them in various shows.Finally we got a few of the monsters to be nice and they signed his cards and he slowly realized the fun of being scared and calmed down. I was glad because from then on he really relaxed and had a good time too. I really didn't think he would be as scared as he was he is usually the braver one though he is only six. The older boys were fine until a monster with a chain saw started it up and started chasing Josh, he took off from him and Will ran the other way it was hilarious watching them lose their cool after saying they wouldn't be scared at all. I guess the only other time Will got scared was by this one monster that is pictured above with the weird eyes he chased Will with some chains and Will freaked out a little bit until the guy took off after someone else. All in all as I am sure you can see we had a GREAT time. The kids talked all the way home about how much fun they had and compared autographs on these collector cards they handed out. We also stopped for the kids first fast food since we got here. They have a FEW McDonald's around Germany and we found one close to the castle and treated them. It is strange for me that that is a rare treat now. People eat out at family style Gausthous's and the food is so Yummy and cheap to buy. The boys all love Snitzel mit Pommes Frites and Spetze to drink which is a cola juice mix that is very popular over here. Well I hope you enjoy the pics it was very hard to decide which ones to use cause we took so many. Love to all and Miss you very much
Happy Halloween!!!!!

the monster dance

The boys had such a great time and there were so many places and scenes to interact with. You never knew when something or someone would jump out at you. the weather was just right and we were glad with the kids we went to the day time tour. The ruins were so cool and creepy. I hope the pictures do it some justice. I just know that my brother would have loved it so much, I kept thinking that all day.

Torture chamber guys
Each path and part of the castle had different scenes and monster, though they all wandered about

One of the scary parts for the kids and you would never see in the states is that it is very very hands on. Monsters are allowed to grab you and mess with you and even drag you off. Now on family day they tone it down alot compared to the night tours. If the kids get scared the monsters back off and try to wave and let the kids see that they are only acting. They will take off their monster hands and maybe wave or give a piece of candy.

scenes along the paths and among the ruins. You could buy cards of the monsters and they would sign them and meet the kids if they got scared, being sort or friendlier versions if the kids freaked out.

Witches were hilarious always dancing around and cackling.

I liked the wizards alot. picture above is of the interior on the ruins with the guillotine in the background. Frank was the coolest. the last picture is the entrance of the ruins. It was rainy and foggy which made it even cooler.

Quick Update

Gruss Got! Not much new this week so far. We had a friend's son staying with us until he could fly to Texas to be with is dad who recently pcs'ed to the states. There fore we still haven't made it to Munich. We may not make it this year the weather is not cooperating and finding a sitter is tough for overnights. We are going to try but hey we can go anytime right? Our new trip planned for this month is to a Halloween festival at the Burg Frankenstein. It is a famous castle that is rumoured to be the inspiration for the book and movie. They have a big Halloween festival every year with monsters and ghouls and tours thru the castle grounds that are reported to be haunted. We have all the information and are going to take the train again. I will make sure to take lots of pictures. Things here are fine, I am working on some pictures and a blog entry of things I find interesting in Germany. The way they school their kids, cars and sights I see. I will post it when I have all the pictures I want. I know I know I still have yet to put house pics on here but I have been busy this week. The boys are doing fine and adjusting well. They are speaking more and more German and I am proud they have adapted so well, they are more like me than I thought. I guess I miss most are some foods that I cant get over here and the shopping. With Christmas coming mail order is the only way to go for us. Sarah or Stacey I might need some assistance with some things I cant find. Well that is about all for now.
Happy Birthday Mom
Happy Birthday Dave
Happy Birthday Paul ( hows the weather down there????)
psSarah the wines ohhh the wines you have to come over and go to a wine fest with me since Greg won't touch the stuff and the Kierwa fests are great for that too.

Words of the week are Wie Gates (not spelled right prounouced Vee Gates) It means How are you? and Shon prounounced Shun it means beautiful.
Also see if you can translate this
Ich liebe der Bäckerei und die Käse. Meine Lieblingsnahrung sind hier diese großen Waffelplätzchen. Ich vermisse Küken-Leiste-, Sparsamkeitspeicher und längere Ladenöffnungszeiten.
You just have to remember all W's are V's and V's are W's and the big B looking thing is double ss and the U with the dots over it are eeewww sounds. LOL (Ha Ha for Dave) Got all that?
Me Either Yet Every one say WolksVagon!!!!!

Love you All
Jen

Rothenburg Germany

Greg and I decided Friday night that we wanted to go see something new. We also decided it would be fun to take the train and alot easier and cheaper. They have these things called Bayren passes that you can travel by train anywhere in Barvaria for 27 Euro for up to five people. We loaded up the kids in the car and didn't tell them where we decided to go and how we were going to get there. We chose Rothenburg. The town was founded and built in 970. 970 can you believe it? The original part of the city is still surrounded by the sentry walls which we got to walk around. It has the moat still surrounding it of which there is a picture below. The small streets and alleys were full of beautiful churches and shops. The market square pictured below was the busy center of the town where residents shopped for their goods and wares. We read in one of the museums that there were heavy fines levied against bakers if their bread was too big or small! I didn't get any pictures of the inside of the churches because we couldn't use flashes. The carvings were incredible and I will include a link if you want to check out the town's website. It was heavily populated by tourists yesterday, apparently it is one of the most visited towns on Romantic Road in Bavaria. The highlight of the city for the boys was the Medieval Museum of Torture. An entire building of authentic devices of torture. Apparently there were some sick minds back then because you wouldn't believe the ways they came up with to torture and persecute criminals, women of loose morals and suspected witches. I have included a few pictures from the inside and outside. They had the rack, thumb screws, gallows, swords, axes, and more. There were a ton of these masks that people put in the stockade in the town square had to wear that indicated what their crimes were. They also had some interesting chastity belts for men and women. They were hilarious! I loved reading the books that were kept of "confessions" of people that were tortured then executed. After seeing some of the devises I would've confessed to about anything and most people did. If they recanted they were re-tortured to make sure of their innocence where by they re confessed and were executed. I think I may have nightmares for a week but the BOYS loved it. We ate lunch and walked the city streets all day then took the train back in the evening. The boys and I had a great time and on thinking it over it still amazes me that these buildings were built so long before America was even discovered. It was a fun day and we all learn so much and get to see things that so many people will never get to experience. Taking the train was great and we all decided that we will do it anytime we can. I also got to try Federweisen which is a popular wine that translates First Wine. It is amber in color and tastes alot like Welches white grape juice. It is what wine is before it ferments and becomes wine. Well that is about it for now. Love to all and keep checking in!

Love Jenny

http://www.romaticroad.com/rothenburg/sights.htm

Town Square Courthouse
Actual Executioners Hood Stockade

Water TortureExecutioners Tools

Moat Orig. Motorized Carriage
Town Hall/FountainMain Street Waiting for the Train Sir William